Beijing, December 22nd--Song Tao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), held a video call here today with Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Chairman of the Committee for External Relations of the Central Committee of Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP).

Song said, China and Laos are friendly socialist neighbors linked by mountains and rivers, and a community of shared future with strategic significance. At the critical juncture of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Laos, General Secretary Xi Jinping and General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith have maintained strategic communication, leading the development of China-Laos relations in the new era. Not long ago, General Secretary Xi Jinping had a video meeting with General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith, and witnessed the opening of the China-Laos railway, which is of milestone significance in advancing the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and China-Laos community with a shared future.

Song pointed out, under the strategic guidance and personal promotion of the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, the exchanges and cooperation between the two parties have been continuously improved and expanded, forming an all-round, wide-ranging and multi-level exchange pattern. The CPC is willing to work with the LPRP to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, promote the implementation of the action plan to jointly build China-Laos community with a shared future with high quality, strengthen the exchange of experience in state governance and cadre training between the two sides, and continue to expand cooperation in political security, economy, trade, people's livelihood, and people-to-people and cultural engagement to promote the development of the socialist cause of the two countries and better benefit the two countries and peoples. Song also introduced the important statement of the whole-process people's democracy put forward by General Secretary Xi Jinping.

Thongsavanh warmly congratulated on the successful convening of the sixth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee and highly praised China’s historical achievements in tackling the COVID-19, poverty alleviation, and building a moderately prosperous society in an all-round way under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core. Expressing gratitude to China for the valuable support to Laos in fighting the epidemic and restoring economic and social development, Thongsavanh said that the LPRP is willing to maintain close exchanges with the CPC, learn from China’s successful experience in strengthening governance capabilities and advancing socialist construction, and fully implement the action plan to jointly build Laos-China community with a shared future to push greater progress for Laos-China relations. China has always been an important pillar for maintaining world and regional peace and stability. Laos will continue to firmly support China's legitimate position on issues of China’s core interests and strengthen coordination and cooperation with China under the international and regional frameworks. Thongsavanh also briefed on the recent economic and social development of Laos.

Guo Yezhou, Vice-minister of the IDCPC, Jiang Zaidong, Chinese Ambassador to Laos, Sichaleune Somphone, Vice Chairman of the Committee for External Relations of the LPRP Central Committee, Thongchan Khongphoumkham, Deputy Chairman of the LPRP Central Committee Organization Board and Khamphao Ernthavanh, Lao Ambassador to China and others were present.

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